A PAISLEY man allowed his dog to suffer for months with two broken hind legs.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross - called Keira - was found by a member of the public in severe pain, dragging her legs behind her.

It was initially thought she had been hit by a car, but X-rays showed the breaks were months old.

Sadly Keira's legs were so badly damaged she had to be put down.

Her owner, Steven Ferguson, was traced after an appeal by the Scottish SPCA.

He did not seek help for Keira despite being entitled to free PDSA treatment for Keira, it has now been revealed.

Ferguson, 30, formerly of Tannahill Road, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Keira by failing to provide adequate treatment for multiple fractures to her rear legs.

Ferguson was given a five year ban on owning dogs and a 200 hour Community Payback Order at the city's sheriff court on Monday.

Commenting on the investigation and court case, Scottish SPCA Inspector Jennifer Connolly said: "Keira was found on Tannahill Road in September 2012, struggling to walk and in a great deal of pain.

"Keira would have been in chronic pain and although some of the fractures had started to heal, others were continuing to cause her significant mobility problems and one leg had extensive muscle wastage.

"Dogs are often able to recover from leg breaks and live full and happy lives.

"Sadly Keira's injuries were so severe she would have been crippled for life and our vet advised the kindest and only humane option was to put her to sleep to prevent her suffering any more pain."

Ms Connolly added: "Following a press appeal for information, we were able to establish that Ferguson was Keira's owner.

"Although he had sought veterinary attention for Keira in January 2012 for one fractured leg, he failed to take her for follow-up treatment for this injury and could offer no reasonable excuse for failing to seek veterinary attention for her further injuries, despite clearly being aware he was entitled to free veterinary treatment for Keira with the PDSA.

"We are pleased Ferguson has been dealt with by the court and while we would have welcomed a life ban due to the severity of this case, we hope he will reflect on this offence and consider his suitability to care for any other animals in the future."